Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A MAJOR drugs bust has rocked Zimbabwe’s southern borders after police intercepted a vehicle loaded with dagga and banned cough syrups in a sting linked to the country’s intensifying anti drug crusade.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that officers in Madlambuzi arrested Christopher Dube (41) on 3 February 2026 at Maitengwe Border Post after intercepting a Toyota GD6 packed with illicit substances.
“The suspect was arrested in connection with unlawful possession of 228 kilogrammes of dagga, 293 boxes of Broncleer cough syrup, 81 boxes of Astra cough syrup and 80 bottles of calcium magnesium tablets,” said Comm Nyathi.
In a related arrest on the same day, police at Beitbridge Border Post nabbed Nyasha Mujongondi aged 38 for possession of Astra Pain Cough Syrup.
The seized cough syrups are banned or strictly controlled in Zimbabwe because of their link to substance abuse, particularly among youths. Broncleer and Astra cough syrups contain codeine or codeine related compounds which are opioids that depress the central nervous system. When misused, they cause intoxication, addiction, respiratory failure and in extreme cases death.
Health authorities have previously warned that these cough mixtures are commonly abused by being mixed with soft drinks or alcohol to produce a street drug effect popularly known as “bronco” or “codeine high”. Due to this abuse, Zimbabwe classified codeine based cough syrups as prescription only medicines and restricted their importation and distribution. Unlawful possession without proper permits attracts criminal charges.
While calcium magnesium tablets are not illegal medicines, police say they are often smuggled in bulk without clearance and may be linked to illicit drug supply chains or unregulated resale, raising safety and tax concerns.
The arrests come as part of Zimbabwe’s National Anti Drug and Substance Abuse Crusade, a multi sector programme launched to curb the growing abuse of drugs such as dagga, codeine syrups, methamphetamine and unregulated medicines. The campaign involves the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Ministry of
Health, schools, churches and community leaders focusing on law enforcement, awareness and rehabilitation.
Comm Nyathi said police will continue tightening the noose at border posts and highways.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no safe space for drug traffickers and peddlers. We urge members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Investigations into the latest cases are continuing as police push the #NoToDrugAndSubstanceAbuse message nationwide.
